Originally posted by MechEngineer:"An issue of homeland security". Thats ridiculous, if it were an issue then the actual Homeland Security department would be involved.

Better yet, if this infrastructure is so mission critical, maybe it's time we start treating broadband access to the Internet like we do telephone access to those who can't afford it (as a necessity and certain aspects provided freely - aka 911, 411, and operator service). This statement also makes the ISP's reasons for choosing QoS for you (as well as what apps they'd like to block) seem even more dubious.

Au contraire, Settles argues, NTIA has set an independent standard for broadband mapping with these grants. And that standard says you've got to go beyond relying on the big service providers and poll for broadband use information directly from consumers via telephone and in-field work. "You cannot collect more accurate data than when you go straight to the people who do or don't have broadband," he contends.

With the census coming up I wonder if broadband is going to be one of the questions?

quote:

Connected defends its reliance on confidential arrangements with providers, arguing that it limits its non-disclosure data to "highly sensitive network infrastructure information," which it protects "in order to protect the physical integrity of the backbone of the United States' communications system—an issue of homeland security." The group also says it wants to defend the "proprietary infrastructure and equipment information" of providers.

Cyberwarfare anyone?

quote:

Needless to say, it's pretty early in the game to predict where NTIA will actually go with this next. The agency still has a slew of bids to process, and Connected and its affiliates have eligible applications in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Notice Kentucky isn't part of this even though they have their own broadband plan.

I was wondering how far the rhetoric could go before 'homeland security' would get trotted out as an excuse for industry secrecy. Obviously, it didn't take long.

Note to telecom spokespeople: Children have been known to use the Internet. The next time anyone threatens your livelihood (aka "guaranteed 'performance' bonuses for the executives"), appeal to the general public that the children might suffer from their plans, and ask if anyone will think of them. It works for flashing boobies on the TeeVee.

Connected defends its reliance on confidential arrangements with providers, arguing that it limits its non-disclosure data to "highly sensitive network infrastructure information," which it protects "in order to protect the physical integrity of the backbone of the United States' communications system—an issue of homeland security." The group also says it wants to defend the "proprietary infrastructure and equipment information" of providers.

Kids, roll out that spreader. we have a big new load of manure here just waiting to be used. Free. Yes, that's right Free. That's what they're handing out. A big smelly load of bull pucky.